DTM: TYRE STRATEGY SET TO PROVE DECISIVE AT ZANDVOORT
The DTM heads outside Germany for the second consecutive time, with Zandvoort hosting the second event of the 2026 season following the opening round at the Red Bull Ring. The Dutch circuit is widely regarded as one of the most demanding on the calendar and, quite possibly, the most treacherous in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, owing to the particular layout of the track and its proximity to the dunes of the North Sea.
Both factors place the tyres under particular stress. The tyres are among the components subjected to the greatest loads, both under traction and braking and when cornering, due to the high vertical and lateral forces generated by the high-speed corners and by the banking at Turn 3 and Turn 14, with inclinations of up to 19 and 18 degrees respectively. At these points, the gradient produces different effects on vertical and lateral load, with direct consequences for the tyres and for the overall performance of the cars, which therefore require a dedicated set-up.
More specifically, the steep banking reduces lateral load and allows higher cornering speeds, while at the same time significantly increasing the vertical load on the tyres, placing the construction under stress even at the same speed and aerodynamic load.
In addition, the Zandvoort circuit presents variable grip conditions because of the presence of sand and salt on the asphalt. This calls for flexible car set-ups, able to adapt quickly to changes in the track surface and consistently generate the highest possible level of grip.
“From the first event at the end of April it was already clear that this will be a very closely fought season,” commented Matteo Braga, Pirelli Circuit Activities Manager. “Because of its characteristics, Zandvoort could begin to provide the first indications of the pecking order among teams and drivers, all of whom are highly competitive and professional. Here more than ever, an accurate tyre strategy will be decisive, also in light of the new regulations governing tyre use. It is no exaggeration to say that, for many cars, the outcome of the two weekend races will already start to take shape during free practice.”
From this year, Pirelli is supplying DTM drivers with an evolution of the P ZERO tyre range developed exclusively for the championship. The product combines performance, reliability and adaptability across a wide variety of track and usage conditions, meeting the specific requirements of the DTM’s particular race format. The championship-dedicated range is also distinguished by its graphics and design.
Production of the P Zero DTM range takes place at the Pirelli Technology Hub in Breuberg, Hesse. Advanced methods are used there across the entire value chain, including optimised processes for managing semi-finished and finished products. Specific material solutions and an optimised production process design help to ensure consistent performance and provide a solid basis for the Balance of Performance, or BoP, system. The tyre is also equipped with RFID technology, which enables precise tracking in accordance with the 2026 DTM regulations. This supports tyre management at the circuit while also creating a reliable basis for sporting fairness.